Assignment 8-2: Reflection

At first I had some anxiety about what my space was going to look like and what the theme would be.  I have always had trouble when it comes to getting started being creative.  Everything usually turns out great, but ever since I can remember I've had anxious feelings when such a project begins.  Once I got into this though, I kept having more and more ideas.  I would make something and then change my mind or have a better idea and start over. 

I loved using the scripts.  Using the script generator and just searching for them online was fairly easy once I got the hang of it.  At first I had trouble with the notecard giver script but then realized that the notecard had to actually be in the contents folder of the object.  Makes total sense now, but at the time I was stumped.  I also liked that my classmates were often around as I was building so I could ask questions if I hit a roadblock. 

I have a few unresolved issue with my space...First, I added a hovering text script to two of the objects and then tried to delete the script from the object.  The Fun Scripts text stayed after I deleted the script from the object though.  To fix it I had to add the script again and just remove the text in between the quotes so that nothing showed up.  This was the only way I could get it to not show up.  The second issue was that two classmates had left prims in my space and I could not remove them.  You'll see them in the left side of my picture below.  I have sent an IM to each of them to please remove the objects.

I'd like to explore more with moving objects and sounds in the next building activity.  I wanted to focus on a few this first time and master them and then add more as we move on. 

This is the space that I created with a fall theme. 
I included many fall sweets recipes as notecards attached to objects that I created as well as some that I found in SL.

Assignment 8-2: Readings

Teaching with Second Life
Some of the things that the author talked about reminded me of our class.  The voice chat allowing for a quicker interaction is one that sticks out in my mind.  If everyone in our class had a microphone I think things might go a little quicker.  On the other hand we might interrupt each other more too.  I thought it was also a good warning that the author gave about having a computer with adequate capabilities to participate in Second Life.  It was great to get the letter at the beginning of the semester telling us what was required in order to be successful in SL.

What Second Life Taught Me about Learning
I never really thought about learning SL according to my learning style, but I guess that's how I've approached it.  Many times I need to hear someone explain a concept and see it as well, so I've spent some time looking at things on YouTube and reading step-by-step instructions on blogs and wikis.  I felt the exact same way as the author described in paragraph 7.  That I wasn't really sure how to find interesting places on my own and didn't move around very well at first.  After some practice, research, and exploring, I got better.

Levelling the Educational Playing Field
When the author spoke of the participants in a SL class dropping their inhibitions allowing them to participate more fully in the experience reminded me of myself.  I am not one to jump into a conversation in a face-to-face meeting with a group that I hardly know, but in SL it is easier for some reason.  I read so much into peoples body language and the look on their face and those are sometimes not directed at me, but I take them personally and often stop interacting.  In SL I don't have to worry so much about that because my classmate are putting their feedback in words or I can just hear it and clarify from there.

Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning
I was already familiar with all of the applications that the article talked about.  I did enjoy reading the strategies for using each in teaching and learning though.  I'm always looking for good new ideas to use in my classroom.  I especially liked the discussion on wikis because that is the one that I've probably spent the least amount of time working with.  I like that a wiki can house documents, powerpoints, pictures, etc.  It bothers me sometimes that the blogs and sites that I maintain do not make it easy to attach documents and powerpoints.

SL Etiquette
Most of this document seemed like common sense to me.  One thing that caught me off guard was the talk of trolls.  I let out a little chuckle when reading about these pesky little guys.  I had no idea of their existence, but will for sure steer clear of them.  ;-)

7-2 SL Vacation

Bates Motel
In the spirit of Halloween, the first place I went was the Bates Motel.  There were all kinds of spooky places to visit.  There was also a corn maze, but in SL it's too easy to cheat and fly above it to see how to get out...plus they've always kind of freaked me out, so I wasn't going to stay in it for long anyway.

NOAA Science

This is a great place to learn about the science of weather.  Lots of references that are linked here.  It was encouraging to see a place like this where students at the lower end of the age requirement for SL might go to find information the Rules of Behavior were posted on every building. 

Below is me taking a ride on a weather balloon~

Oddprofessor's Museum and Science Center

Here, students can perform virtual physics experiments.  They can collect data and then analyze the data to answer a question.  The data collected can also be used to make graphs and solve problems.  Some of the experiments were appropriate for high school level physics, while others would be better suited at the college level.  Below is a picture of me collecting displacement and time data that could be used in a graph or in calculations to determine whether an object is accelerating or moving with a constant velocity.

The Science School

There were so many science resources here!  I loved the ACS build of elements close to where you teleport in.  I could click on an element and several facts about it would show in the chat window.  I also teleported to the Nuclear Power plant and spent some time inside and flying around outside.

Eiffel Tower

I visited the Eiffel Tower in France and also got to see the Arc de Triomphe.  The time period was the early 1900's so when I looked through the viewer at the top of the Tower I could see what Paris looked like then.  I was also able to drive an Old Timer Car around the city.  It was REALLY slow, but fun to use anyway.  There's a picture of what I was able to see through the viewer and of me driving the old time car through the Arc.  I tried to get a picture of myself in front of the Tower, but the Tower is too big to get in one camera shot.

Great Wall of China

I visited the Great Wall of China because I've always wanted to visit in  real life.  I was disappointed that I was unable to fly around on this island.  Walking along took a LONG time!  I snapped a picture of myself sitting on the wall looking at one of the massive sculptures (you can see me really tiny in the background).  I didn't find much to actuall DO here, but it was fun to just take in the sights and explore.

Costa Rica

There were lots of places to visit in Costa Rica...and it rained most everywhere ;)

You were able to get around a few different ways.  I just explored mostly by foot and did a little meditating when I got tired.  It was really neat to hear all of the sounds of the rain forest and see some of the animals in their 'natural' habitat.

Soraya's Winter Enchantment Public Snow Playground

Even though it isn't quite Christmas time yet, I was able to get in the holiday-way on this island.  There were camp fires, snowmen, holiday lights, snow, frozen lakes, etc. that made it feel just like christmas.  I took my picture with a group of snowmen...see if you can spot me!

Second Life Botanical Gardens

At the botanical gardens I not only got to see lots of beautiful flowers, I was able to find a gondola and row it to another area.  The oar that I was given was invisible, but it looked like I was rowing and I was moving so I guess I had one.  I took a picture as I was going across the water.

Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory used to really scare me when I was a kid.  Visiting this place was kind of like facing a fear...still not all that comfortable with it, but it's good to know I can teleport out if I need to ;-)

It was here that I encountered the first advertisement that I was not comfortable with...I quickly turned around and went the other way.

Dinosaur Park

I was expecting something like Jurassic Park in the Dinosaur Park...maybe it is and I just couldn't figure it out.  I had some trouble figuring out the purpose of this island.  I did get a picture of my self with a T-Rex and some Raptors though.  That's me right behind the sign that says not to climb on the exibits.



Crater Lake - Oregon

Crater Lake was a place that I was able to just explore.  There was a great deal of wildlife to observe and I got to take my own canoe out exploring.  There were several vehicles that were available for getting around this island in addition to flying.  The main purpose here was to explore.

7-1 SL Travel Guide

Virtual Harlem
While visiting Virtual Harlem I did a lot of listening to the 1920's jazz that was playing.  In fact, I visited the Cotton Club and danced to Duke Ellington.  I also did some other exploring of this historic spot during my visit.  While in one of the shops, I got a free Flapper Feather, but when I tried to wear it on my robot avatar it was nearly around my neck instead of on my head.  I also saw Langston Huges sitting at a desk writing and listened to Ella Fitzgerald sing.
Check me out busting a move in the Cotton Club below.

ISTE Island
I got so many resources while on ISTE Island!  The docent, Thunder, was soooo helpful!  She helped me become a member of the ISTE Island group and gave me some great science resources in SL on a notecard.  I visited a few of them when I was finished in ISTE Island.  She also gave me the name of one of her friends that maintains a page on ISTE Island.  Looking forward to visiting this Island again and maybe taking a tour or listening to a session that is offered.

Foul Whisperings Strange Matters
After viewing several of the available notecards on this island I can see that it is dedicated to learning about Shakespeare's Macbeth.  This would be a great way for students to learn about and show understanding of this famous play.  Here's a picture of me near the throne.

Zoobyland
Zooby's is a place where you can buy all kids of pets...Cats, Dogs, Monkeys, Prehistoric Pets, Wild Animals, or Creatures.  These items cost Lindens to purchase, but they are very realistic.  Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one!  I also came upon a place on the island that I was unable to enter...I could see it and fly over it, but was not able to get it.  It was like I hit a wall each time I got close.  Below is me checking out a cute little Beagle puppy...maybe some day...

Vassar, Sistine Chapel Re-Creation
Vassar is in New York, while the Sistine Chapel is in Vatican City.  The views inside the Chapel were amazing!  I took a picture below.  I also did a little exlporing of the island and found out some things about Vassar College as well.

Virtual Ability
This island helps people with almost any kind of disability be able to escape it for a while.  There was a great orientation of SL tour, too!  I found a place where you could get all kinds of free stuff.  I got a few things to maybe add to my area on FB Island.

International Spaceflight Museum
Here, visitors are able to view spacecraft from the past and spacecraft for the future.  It seems that you can even take a ride on a rocket.  Pretty neat place with all of these important pieces of space history (and future) all in one place.  I also liked that there were seats all over the island that allowed you to teleport from one place to another within the island.  There's a picture of me sitting in one below.

AKK Horse Ranch
At the AKK Horse Ranch you can not only buy horses, but also have FUN!!  I got my demo horse as instructed and looked at lots of the other horses (that I couldn't afford yet).  THEN, I saw a water slide and a pool and swings!  I couldn't help myself...check out my ride down the water slide below.

Assignment #3 (Week 6) - My Aha! Moments in Second Life

As I was looking for safe places to explore I came upon national landmarks that were available.  I visited Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty (where I got a free t-shirt).  Even our very own Gateway Arch was available in SL.  I found these to be great places for students to learn about the history of something without actually being able to go there.  I can't imagine the time that went into building these place in SL.  The Sistine Chapel was soooo amazing to look at in SL I can't imagine what it's like in real life!

Here are some snap shots of my visits...

 ^This is me riding the tram up to Mount Rushmore^

 ^Relaxing on a bench looking at Mount Rushmore^

^Taking in the view at the Sistine Chapel^

Assignment #2 (Week 6) - Learning in a Virtual World

Reflecting on Educational Frontiers: Learning in a Virtual World

There were many points in this article that I connected with.  The first was that instructors should start by showing students what can be done in the virtual world before teaching them the basics so they can see what they'll be able to do.  I think this should be the case with many things that we teach.  Students need to know where we're going...they need to know "what's the point". 

The next thing that caught my interest what when the author talked about students disengaging from the lessons and going into "cruise control", expecting the teacher to entertain them.  The virtual world atmosphere makes them more of an active participant or explorer.  Sometimes I feel like I have to do a whole show in front of my students to get them to pay attention and they expect to be entertained.  They do not see learning as partially their responsibility and can get pretty defensive (sometimes their parents too) when you act as their facilitator or fellow explorer because they expect the information to be dispensed to them and not have to do any of the work.  I have found though that this is not the way they learn best, so if I push past the initial resistance and stick to my methods they learn more (whether they liked it initially or not).  If I could find a virtual world that was secure for my students to participate in they might enjoy this process more.

I am hoping to learn more ways that virtual worlds can be used in science classes.  Hopfully once we get into the building aspect of the course I will be able to perhaps build something that would help my students make an abstract concept more concrete.

Assignment #1 (Week 6)

I've explored a lot of Fontbonne Island now.  I figured out how to open doors, walk better, take pictures, change my view, and interact with some of the feature elements present on the island.  I tried changing my appearance, but it seems I've chosen an avatar that resists change.  I tried giving my robot a dress to wear and it says she's wearing it, but she is very obviously not.  I looked through my inventory some as I was trying to change my apprearance.  Still not sure what some of it does, so I didn't change much else.  The gestures were also fun to play with.  I wish there was a 'waving' gesture. 

In regard to the more 'challenging' skills...I was having some trouble figuring out how to change the time of day, but with a quick Google search I was able to find it.  I easily figured out how to sit on object by right clicking on them and could see how many Lindens I had at the top of ths screen.  I was able to find my friends (classmates) on Fontbonne Island.  Finding places to go in Second Life caused me a little bit of anxiety ;-)  I wasn't sure where to start and didn't want to go somewhere that I wouldn't feel comfortable or would end up costing me Lindens.  I need to be a little more courageous in that area.  I went to Freebie Island because I had read about it somewhere, but it didn't seem like any of the freebies were things that I wanted.  I did notice that there were places where you could watch commercials and take survey's to earn more Lindens, but I wasn't sure how secure those were.

Here are some snap shots of things that I did...

 ^Here's me pointing at a horse^

^ Here I am sitting on the horse^

 ^Dancing!^

 ^Still dancing!^

 ^Laughing because I'm having my picture taken with a plastic flamingo^

^Raising my hand^